How to Live Above and Beyond the World – 1 Corinthians 7:17-31
7 (17) Only let each one live in the social position to which the Lord assigned him and to which God called him—and these are the instructions I give to all the churches. (18) Was anyone circumcised when he was called? Let him not become “uncircumcised.” Was anyone uncircumcised when he was called? Let him not become circumcised. (19) Circumcision means nothing, and uncircumcision means nothing. What is important is keeping the commandments of God. (20) Let each one remain in the same status he had at the time he was called to faith in Christ. (21) Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—(but if you are able to become free, take advantage of the opportunity)—(22) for he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, the one who was free when he was called is Christ’s slave. (23) You were purchased with a price; do not become slaves of men. (24) Brothers, let each one remain with God in the status he had when he was called to faith in Christ.
(25) Now with regard to virgins, I do not have any instructions from the Lord; but, as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy, I give this judgment. (26) I think that, because of the impending distress, it is good for a man to remain as he is. (27) Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not seek a wife. (28) But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if the virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will experience a greater degree of tribulation, and I desire to spare you from this. (29) Now I tell you this, brothers, the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; (30) and those who mourn, as if they were not mourning; and those who rejoice, as if they were not rejoicing; and those who purchase something, as if it were not their possession; (31) and those who use the things of the world, as not being engrossed in them—for this world in its present form is passing away.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
